Marieme Niang, Regional Gender Hub Lead, Africa and IFC Global
GBV Lead, Sazini M.; Harriette Chiggai, Women’s Rights Advisor to the
President of Kenya; Karine Bachongy, Manager, Global Operations GEID, and Grace Kaome from the Federation of Kenya Employers.
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has unveiled two key initiatives, the Gender-Based
Violence Centre of Expertise and the Respect@Work Programme, to
address gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH) in workplaces around the
globe.
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, unveiled the initiatives
to help create a safer, more inclusive business environment, recognising
that eliminating GBVH is essential to advancing gender equality, improving
business performance and unlocking the full economic potential of women and
other marginalised groups.
Speaking during the launch, Gillian Rogers, IFC’s Principal
Country Officer in Kenya, said that gender-based violence and harassment is not
just personal issue, but a workplace issue, and one that demands urgent and
collective action.
He said, “The evidence is clear: workplaces free from
violence and harassment are more productive, innovative, and inclusive. IFC is
committed to partnering with the private sector, offering evidence-based
solutions and sharing practical experiences to create work environments where
every worker feels safe, valued, and empowered.”
The Gender-Based Violence Centre of Expertise will serve as
a global knowledge hub, supporting IFC clients and private sector actors with
toolkits, training and providing advisory support to better prevent and respond
to GBVH.
The Center will also help companies worldwide implement
policies and practices that contribute to safer, more resilient work
environments and communities, fostering a culture of respect and
accountability.
The Respect@Work program is the latest addition to IFC’s Kenya2Equal Initiative in partnership with the
Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE). It will complement the Center’s efforts by
providing companies with a peer-learning platform to collaborate, learn, and
implement strategies to create safer working environments.
The platform will draw on real-world case studies and
guidance rooted in international best practice, including the ILO
Convention 190. The Respect@Work Program forms part of IFC’s broader efforts to
build respectful workplaces.
In addition to improving the lives of those affected,
research shows that addressing gender-based violence and harassment can
significantly enhance business outcomes. Companies that proactively
tackle violence and harassment experience improved employee retention,
increased productivity, and stronger reputations. Moreover, workplaces free
from violence and harassment are better positioned to attract top talent and foster
innovation.